Diabetes type 2 symptoms: Eight of the most ‘common’ signs of high blood sugar

Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert

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An earlier diabetes diagnosis could reduce the chances of developing other long-term health problems, as you’ll be advised on how best to manage your blood sugar levels by a doctor or nurse. The progression of symptoms is gradual in type 2 diabetes, so these signs can occur across a number of years. Do take note if you find yourself going to the toilet more than before, especially if it’s during the night.

Another “common” symptom of high blood sugar – the indicator of type 2 diabetes – is feeling “really thirsty”, the charity Diabetes UK noted.

It’s also fairly typical to experience feelings of tiredness, increased hunger, and blurred eyesight.

Diabetes can also lead to recurrent bouts of genital itching or thrush, and cuts and wounds may take longer to heal.

Some people might lose weight without meaning to, which is also another possible sign of type 2 diabetes.

Eight “common” signs of type 2 diabetes:

• Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
• Being really thirsty
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Losing weight without trying to
• Genital itching or thrush
• Cuts and wounds take longer to heal
• Blurred eyesight
• Increased hunger.

“If you have any symptoms, it’s important to contact your GP and ask for a blood test for diabetes,” the charity advised.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

The pancreas – a gland located in the abdomen – no longer creates insulin that functions correctly, or not enough insulin is made.

Insulin is responsible for enabling glucose in the bloodstream to enter the cells to fuel the body.

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Instead, when your pancreas isn’t creating quality insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream.

The body breaks down the carbohydrates you get from food and drink into glucose.

Thus, if the glucose isn’t moving from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, over time, more and more glucose takes up space in the bloodstream.

High blood sugar can damage every part of the body, including the eyes, heart, and feet.

While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, people have been able to put their condition into remission.

This means blood sugar levels are at the pre-diabetes level without taking medication.

This can be achieved by weight loss, according to the latest research on type 2 diabetes.

“If you have obesity, you are more likely to put your diabetes into remission if you lose a substantial amount of weight,” said Diabetes UK.

People who fall into the obese category (having a body mass index of 30 or more) need to lose 2st 5lbs.

Carrying excess weight around the tummy area can increase the likelihood of visceral fat building up around the organs, such as the pancreas.

When there is too much visceral fat around the pancreas, for example, the gland may not work properly anymore, leading to type 2 diabetes.

“But not everyone who develops type 2 diabetes has obesity,” warned the charity.

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